Below is a list of the top and leading Parks in San Francisco. To help you find the best Parks located near you in San Francisco, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
San Francisco’ Best Parks:
The top rated Parks in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Park – an iconic park that features bucolic lakes and meadows, to vibrant activity destinations
- Mission Dolores Park – one of San Francisco’s most popular parks which is both culturally diverse and equally vibrant
- Fort Funston – one of the premier hang-gliding spots in the country
- Baker Beach – offers spectacular outside-the-gate views of the Bridge and the Marin Headlands
- Grandview Park – provides stunning 360 views of San Francisco overlooking Golden GFate Park, Pacific Ocean, and Downtown San Francisco
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is an iconic park that features bucolic lakes and meadows, to vibrant activity destinations. The park encompasses 680 forested acres, 130 acres of meadows, 15 miles of drives, and 33 acres of lakes. Additionally, there are also a number of open fields and spaces perfect for picnics, events, and other dedicated athletic courses like soccer, baseball, tennis, football, running, golf, and many more. The annual attendance of the park is estimated to average around 25 million visits, half of which are from locals.
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Parks
LOCATION:
Address: 501 Stanyan St San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 831-2700
Website: sfrecpark.org
REVIEWS:
“This park is freaking impressive (and did you know that it’s bigger than New York’s Central Park?). With lots of open space for picnics, a lake that meanders through the middle section of the park, walking/running trails galore, a golf course, a polo field, a skate park, museums, and more, one can spend an entire day here. It’s a hit with tourists and locals alike. Super accessible by bike, bus, skateboard, foot, car, and everything in between, it’s the spot to be!” – Blessie V.
Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks which is both culturally diverse and equally vibrant. On sunny afternoons, people come by and flock to the park to play, picnic, lounge, walk their dogs, and enjoy spectacular city views. Guests can also leisurely enjoy on their lush green lawns shaded by tall palm trees, soccer fields, 6 tennis courts, 1 basketball court, a multi-use court, a playground, and 2 off-leash dog play areas. Numerous performances, festivals, and other cultural events are also being held here.
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Parks
LOCATION:
Address: 19th & Dolores St San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 831-2700
Website: sfrecpark.org
REVIEWS:
“God shines a special light down on this little patch of magic, where it’s always 10° warmer than the rest of the city. And there’s lots of magic to find here since anything goes – families, pets, 420, drinks, protests, self-expression, good vibes, lazy Sundays, acrobatics, picnics, and much more. Whatever you’re feeling, Dolores Park is a place to express it.” – Greg B.
Fort Funston
Fort Funston is one of the premier hang-gliding spots in the country. It features 200-foot high sandy bluffs where winds blow consistently year-round. As a Hang-III site, it is equipped with a good launch area and wheelchair–accessible viewing deck. Several hang-gliding shops also offer instruction, sales, and repairs. Currently, Fort Funston is home to the peninsula’s largest remaining dune field. The park also covers a network of trails making it ideal for hiking and horseback riding.
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Parks
LOCATION:
Address: 206 Fort Funston Rd San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 561-4323
Website: parksconservancy.org
REVIEWS:
“I don’t have a dog but it’s a great park to roam around and enjoy some scenery and your photo ops or IG enthusiast this is the place to go to. Even for the alone time you can come here and enjoy yourself. like what people mention the port potties are eh, bring some toilette and hand sani.” – Jay L.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach offers spectacular outside-the-gate views of the Bridge and the Marin Headlands. On sunny weekends, the beach can be warm enough for sunbathing and picnicking. Visitors can look for the display of historical military photographs inside the Battery Chamberlin magazine. For hikers, they can also hike up the Coastal Trail on the Cliffside. In the northernmost end of Baker Beach, a number of clothing-optional sunbathers frequently visit the area. Moreover, picnics tables and grills, as well as restroom facilities are available.
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Parks
LOCATION:
Address: 1770 Gibson Rd San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone: (415) 561-4323
Website: parksconservancy.org
REVIEWS:
“I was lucky to find a spot as someone was pulling out, plenty of people out and about it was great to see. It’s a very nice beach wasn’t prepared to see an elderly man standing there along the bank away from the crowds completely naked the man must have been made of Steele as it was 63 degrees out and I was freezing wrapped up like I was going to the snow. Plenty of room for everyone to do their own thing, from nude sunbathing in frigid temperatures, fishing, or just hanging out.” – Jason H.
Grandview Park
Grandview Park provides stunning 360 views of San Francisco overlooking Golden GFate Park, Pacific Ocean, and Downtown San Francisco. The park is famous for its dune plant community atop a 140 million-year-old rock called Franciscan chert. Hikers also love to come by to hike the Grandview Trail consisting of 0.2 miles ascending to the top of the park hill. The majority of the climb is made up of wooden stairs with a sprinkle of soft sand soil around the hilltop.
Products/Services:
Parks
LOCATION:
Address: 1705 14th Ave San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 831-6331
Website: sfrecpark.org
REVIEWS:
“I actually stumbled upon this spot after getting to the top of the 16th Avenue tiled steps and making a left into the neighborhood. Then I made another left at the end of the block. It’s a great view and a short trek to it. I’m sure there’s more to explore here. There’s another set of steps once you reach the top, but I didn’t bother to venture down. Maybe next time. From the pictures posted on here, it looks like a nice climb.” – Kendra F.
Carol has lived in Denver his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Carol covers national and local business reviews.